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General sales tax received by the county in March was down more than one-tenth compared to a year ago. Sales tax on January sales was $50,233, down from $56,020 in 2012.

However, because of a payment triple the usual size for November sales, sales tax collections for the first three months of 2013 remain 66.1 percent above 2012 levels. So far, the county has received $266,123 in general sales tax, up from $160,209 for the first quarter of 2012.

Sales tax for the jail bonds was $44,174, down from $49,677.

Landowner seeks road closure

Leroy Kraus asked the county commission to consider closing 180th Road between Upland Road and U.S. 77. There is a bridge along the road in poor shape, he said.

It also is a dirt road, with all the issues that entails, including people who go “mudding” — intentionally driving muddy roads for recreation — along it.

Kraus owns land along the road, and he said he had spoken with some of the other property owners who were OK with the idea of closing it.

Commissioner Randy Dallke said he would want to see the road in person before considering closing it.

Commissioner Roger Fleming said he would abstain from any vote about closing the road because he owns property adjacent to it. That would require both Dallke and Dan Holub voting in favor of a closure.

County Clerk Tina Spencer said a road closure would require a petition signed by all of the adjoining landowners.

Closed sessions

County Attorney Susan Robson met with the commission in closed session for 10 minutes to discuss personnel. No action was taken on return to open session.

Spencer met with the commission in closed session for five minutes to discuss personnel. No action was taken on return to open session.

Raises approved

Road and Bridge Department employees James Olsen and Adam Maag each received raises for their tenure in the department. Olsen’s salary increased from $2,352 per month to $2,397 for working in the department 15 years. Maag’s salary increased from $1,997 to $2,021 for working in the department six months.

Gerald Bender received a raise from $1,855 per month to $1,877 for working at Marion County Park and Lake one year.

Martin Combs salary was set at $2,082 per month at the transfer station. He recently moved from part-time to full-time work.